Transcript Highlights:

• The first thing is I was shocked.
• The first piece that I want to identify are the other funds.
• through third grades, and 69% of those in fourth through 12th grades.
• through third grades, and 69% of those in 4th through 12th grades.
• So I'm going to go back to the first question.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, call the first bill. House Bill 517 by Representative Lomax."
• This is a report as relating to our third grade students and their reading.
• </c> Clerk call the first bill. Clerk call the first bill.
• The first part is all the um substitute.
• Let me say that first.

Bills: HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, SB380

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• First thing is to take a look at the minutes, and we need a motion to approve the minutes.
• And across the board, a 10% price reduction was the most frequently identified first choice among urban
• The most common first choice was a 10% price reduction.
• They're able to purchase these resources, work with the parents, and get them on grade level.
• and second grade, that intervention part of that.

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard a presentation from Maddie San Juan of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on the report “Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Child Care in Arkansas.” She said the report found that Arkansas moms want to work, but child care costs, inflexible schedules, inadequate paid leave, and the mental load of caregiving are major barriers. She cited survey and focus group findings showing most mothers want full-time work, 69% identified child care costs as a barrier, and many said flexible hours were the most important workplace support. She also described county-level dashboard data, the high cost of infant and toddler care, and examples from working mothers about spending most or all of their paychecks on child care. Members asked questions about labor force participation trends, the meaning of the child care cost figures, and how flexibility could be implemented across industries. The presenter and members also discussed the broader economic-development impact of child care shortages and the need for public-private partnerships. The Department of Education then gave an update on early childhood programs. Officials said they are building internal dashboards to improve transparency and data access for school readiness assistance, including enrollment, application, and provider participation monitoring. They reported that the state is still moving forward with the CLASS transition and expects to release transition funding to providers in the coming weeks using Preschool Development Grant funds. They also clarified that OEP awards based on CLASS scores are separate from OEC’s work and that the data is FOIA-able. Officials warned providers about a temporary payment delay during the transition to a new system, saying payments will stop June 30 and resume around July 14, with any owed funds processed then. Members raised additional concerns about early childhood special education funding, overpayment recovery from a child care center, audit requirements for Head Start and SRA funds, the market rate survey, and the status of local leads after a recompete. Department staff said they would follow up on special education funding levels and audit rules, noted that the overpayment case is under appeal, and said the market rate survey is still in procurement. They also reported that 23 local leads will cover all counties starting July 1, with no major job-description changes, and described a new PDG Partners stakeholder group and an upcoming June 23 QRIS webinar to gather provider and parent input. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, before we get started, I want to welcome everyone in the audience today.
• It provides for medical school students' grading. This is Senate Bill 234 by Senator Presley.
• It provides for medical school students' grading. Senator Presley on your bill.
• So instead of happening around the 10th grade, this moves that back to around the eighth grade.
• I'm going to have staff first read it in. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.

Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several higher education and K-12 bills. SB 234 by Sen. Presley, which would provide grading for medical school students, was briefly discussed and reported favorably without objection. SB 142 by Sen. Reese, dealing with continued management and oversight of Board of Regents support fund matched endowments if a related constitutional amendment passes, drew questions about endowment matching, oversight, and the roughly $75 million in unmatched requests; it was also reported favorably without objection. SB 482 by Sen. Reese, expanding the role of career coaches in middle and high school graduation planning and reporting on career development fund spending, received support from BESE and others, with committee members discussing counselor workload and district flexibility; it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up SB 64 by Sen. Hodges, which would require two people to review initial video/audio recordings from cameras in self-contained classrooms when complaints arise, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 1063 by Rep. Owen, a broad higher education governance bill that would increase board oversight of curriculum, hiring, faculty senates, and discipline, generated extensive discussion and testimony from Rep. Owen and a representative of Parents Defending Education Action, but the author said he did not want to vote on it yet and moved to voluntarily defer it; the committee agreed without objection. HB 818 by Rep. Riser, as amended, was converted into a reporting bill requiring public inventories and state reporting on assessments, with Cynthia Posey of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers explaining the amendments; the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with one opposition card noted. Finally, SB 28 by Sen. McMath, carried by Rep. Carver, would lower the age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to help address the teacher shortage; Department of Education staff said the change could expand the pipeline, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also announced it would meet the following week on Wednesday, May 6, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit of background first.
• First, the optimism.
• First, the optimism.
• first through sixth.
• And that was third grade. Third and fourth grade is my favorite, favorite level.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you want me to call the House first? I just call the House. Well, that's fine. Yeah.
• Not seeing Representative Evans, going to his first alternate, Representative Magruder.
• First page. I was just looking through this yesterday, and I was trying to...
• And it's based off the grades and the number of positions that we have there.
• I'd have to go look at each grade that's going over there.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a first grade parent, I haven't successfully figured out how to schedule my children's illnesses around
• Last fall, I had the opportunity to attend a field trip with my first grade son.
• This is who you want as your son's first grade teacher. She is sunshine personified.
• The first is quick. The first is quick.
• The last nine years were in a magnet school where I taught first grade.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> clear purpose for children in grades clear purpose for children in grades K-3.
• Because of those services and those educators, he was reading at grade level by second grade.
• grade level by<01:23:24.560><c> second</c><01:23:24.920><c> grade.
• </c> by second grade. by second grade.
• Luckily, I get to be a first one.

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the first step begins here.
• On lines four and five on the first page, it seems to apply to any grade level.
• </c> it seems to apply to any grade level. it seems to apply to any grade level.
• </c> first amendment could take part in this. first amendment could take part in this.
• </c> That's the first time it was. Thank you. That's the first time it was. Thank you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the first in the K-9Mond.
• My mother was one of the first women to attend the University of Florida.
• We take that up first. Yes. Great.
• From failing grades to consecutively landing on the dean's list semester after semester.
• Nora Corcoran, Florida Children's First, waving in support.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board. The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Chairman Ingram, I'm sorry. governor in the first 2 years of our governor in the first
• </c><00:10:26.680><c> 2</c> lieutenant governor in that first 2 lieutenant governor in that first 2 years
• </c> preface um well, first, hey everybody. preface um well, first, hey everybody.
• </c><00:18:52.360><c> Amendment</c> have learned that the First Amendment have learned that the First
• The first teachers were our church.

Bills: SB271, HB511

Keywords: SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• , what grade levels those students are in.
• And it was mostly focused on secondary for grades 6 through 12.
• The first charter school actually was approved locally in Farmington in 2012.
• Other grade levels, like which grade level should actually participate in these programs.
• My son did the most boring online credit recovery classes in 11th grade.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
• They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
• They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
• They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
• They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations. Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts. In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And her first speech she sat through that day...
• to vote on was the next declaration of war. first speech she sat through that day first speech she sat
• Going down to line 1.29, you'll see a change from grade level proficiency to grade level benchmarks.
• </c><00:20:24.360><c> level</c> see a change from grade level see a change from grade level proficiency
• </c> proficiency to grade level benchmarks proficiency to grade level benchmarks that<00:20:26.600><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is first come, first serve until we're at capacity.
• It's first come, first serve for people who can pay the tuition. Correct.
• It's just first come, first served until we're at capacity. professors.
• first</c><00:48:49.920><c> serve</c><00:48:50.079><c> until</c> It's just first come first serve until
• So we're at capacity." >> They have to be a part of that first come, first serve, right?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witness: I think the Grade A standard is the standard that we use.
• Year three is the capstone for this project, where we see students who are in the ninth grade, 10th grade
• , 11th grade, and those that we've taken from the 11th grade to put in the workforce actually running
• They just made $60,000 the first year and it's paid for.
• You mentioned where you were first exposed to these containers.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witness: I think the Grade A standard is the standard that we use.
• Year three is the capstone for this project, where we see students who are in the ninth grade, 10th grade
• , 11th grade, and those that we've taken from the 11th grade to put in the workforce actually running
• They just made $60,000 the first year, and it’s paid for.
• You mentioned where you were first exposed to these containers.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> by 9th grade rather than eighth grade. by 9th grade rather than eighth grade.
• We look at assessment tests from third grade, 8th grade, 11th grade.
• We look at assessment tests from third grade, 8th grade, 11th grade.
• We look at assessment tests from third grade, 8th grade, 11th grade.
• We look at assessment tests from third grade, 8th grade, 11th grade.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is in the eighth grade. Grade 10 is represented by Kawila Benz Mars and Kamalu Kilon.
• She is in the eighth grade. Grade 10 is represented by Kawila Benz Mars and Kamalu Kilon.
• She is in the eighth grade. Grade 10 is represented by Kawila Benz Mars and Kamalu Kilon.
• First, we have Himea Middle.
• First, we have Himea Middle.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, our Oklahoma population...
• And those in first-generation situations, first-generation students, they do have unique...
• The kids who started this program in kindergarten moved with it in first grade, moved with it in second
• grade.
• grade, it was going to be about $5.5 million.

Keywords: 914, all